11 surprising ways to naturally boost energy

We’ve all been there before – by mid-day, you’re beat. It’s taking everything you’ve got not to doze off at your desk, so how are you supposed to actually concentrate?

And the problem only seems to get worse as you get older. Burning the midnight oil when you were a twenty-something was easy. But these days, turning in before the 11 O’clock news is over can still leave you feeling like a zombie the next day.

Sure, you could grab a quick cup of coffee or a sugary snack, but that just means a crash later. Which puts you back where you are right now, or worse. But if you don’t do anything, your afternoon is shot anyway.

Well put down the coffee and step away from the candy bar, because we’ve uncovered 11 surprising ways to boost your energy without adding caffeine and junk sugars to the mix!

1. Grab a “Garden of Eden” fruit:

Take a bite out of big juicy apple. Not all sugars will cause you to crash an hour later. If a natural sugar comes combined with the other elements nature intended it to, such as fiber, it can be a great pick-me-up.

In fact, apples can help stabilize and maintain blood sugar levels, so you aren’t spiking and crashing throughout your day. All while boosting your energy, thanks to the healthy carbohydrates, vitamin C, and fiber! And for an added bonus, apples may help lower your LDL, or “bad”, cholesterol levels, too.

2. Go blue:

Try using blue lightbulbs. Seriously. Not only does light – the brighter the better – help wake up your brain, but blue lightbulbs specifically can boost your energy without boosting your anxiety or agitation levels (red ones do that).

Grab a lamp and change out the bulb to a blue one. Turn it on when you start to feel the afternoon slump kick in.

3. Take a deep breathe:

Sure you breathe over 17,000 times in a single day. But change the WAY you breathe and you could restore your lagging energy levels like magic.

Close your eyes and breathe in deeply from your belly for a count of 6. Hold the breath for a count of 3, then release it for a count of 6. Don’t expand your lungs or tense up while you’re holding your breath. The key is to create a rhythmic, steady breathing.

Surprisingly, this simple deep breathing method will relax AND energize you, all at once.

4. Squeeze your ear:

Okay, this one might sound a little funny, but trust us it really works. Acupressure, the non-needle form of the ancient art of acupuncture, can help naturally boost energy levels. And you’re not going to believe how easy it is to do.

Here’s how it works. Simple massage the outer rim of your ear for 10 to 30 seconds. That’s all it takes to revitalize your whole body when you hit those afternoon energy lows.

5. Hydrate:

Dehydration is a common culprit behind low energy levels. Blood volume drops, the heart has to work harder and you aren’t getting enough nutrients. No wonder you’re exhausted!

To ward off that afternoon crash keep a glass of water handy. You don’t have to chug it down, but staying appropriately hydrated will make all the difference. And if you haven’t been sipping throughout the day when you were thirsty and you find yourself dragging try a tall glass of water to restore your energy.

6. Engage your brain:

Research shows that engaging your brain with something new and interesting is a great way to naturally boost energy levels. So when you find yourself lagging after lunch switch gears and start on that new project you’re excited about.

7. Sit up straight:

Turns out grandmother was right, you should mind your posture. The single easiest thing you can do to boost your energy is sit up straight in your chair.

8. Take a stand:

Sitting for too long is bad for your health in all kinds of ways, but it also causes blood vessels to constrict, which shuts off your energy. So, unseat your seat!

Move if you’ve got some room. Stretch a bit. Literally get your blood flowing, especially if you’ve been sitting for almost an hour.

9. Sing a song:

Believe it or not belting out your favorite tune can give you an instant energy boost. Just be sure to choose a happy, upbeat song and let loose.

Don’t worry if you know all the words or hit all the notes. That’s not the point. Singing can boost energy as much as a good workout can, so grab your hairbrush microphone and enjoy the moment.

10. Become a social butterfly:

It turns out you can naturally boost energy levels simply by socializing with the right people. They key is to choose folks who are upbeat and positive.

You know the type… they’re the kind of folks who are always full of energy. Just being around them can make YOU feel more energized.

11. Step outside:

For decades we’ve been told to fear the sun. But hiding out from the sun’s rays can backfire on you. Sunlight can helps boost your energy and improve your mood. Next time you hit that afternoon slump take a 10 minute sun break to recharge.

Next time you find your energy lagging you don’t have to resort to caffeine or sugar just to get through your day. Try one of these 11 tips to naturally boost energy and get back on track again.

Healthier Talk

Healthier Talk is a place for learning. It is a place for sharing. It is a place for healing. It is a place with universal goals: staying healthy and feeling great.

We believe that everyone has good ideas about how best to care for our loved ones and ourselves. Many of our contributors are doctors that have spent their life’s work invested in the health and well being of the human body and mind. Some have spent their lives tirelessly researching health and the human body, developing new vitamins and products dedicated to making people healthier.

Others are ordinary people that have natural family cures passed down from generations, or discovered an inexpensive home remedy out of necessity or even by accident.

So Healthier Talk not only offers professional advice and solutions, but also provides much sought after natural family cures and at-home remedies, right at your fingertips!